The Media Training Podcast - Handling The Media - extracts from our book

Mentor's published book, 'Handling The Media in Good Times & Bad' has given hundreds of our delegates many handy tips to think about during and after their media training.

But we recognise you may be too busy to read the book right now, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handling-Media-Dave-Mason/dp/1910957100 so we've recorded a podcast in two parts, summarising extracts from the book in media handling, strategic communication and crisis/reputation management. 

Listen here:

Part 1 - Handling the Media

Mentor Media Training · Mentor Media Training Podcast - Part 1. Handling The Media

Part 2 - Crisis Communications & Reputation Management

Mentor Media Training · The Media Training Podcast - Part 2, Crisis And Reputation

Here's an extract from the book;

Preparing you for any media engagement is our bread and butter, but there are some simple things you should consider if an enquiry comes in from a journalist, whether by phone, email or, uncommonly, a knock on the door.

Questions you should ask

It is important to know which of the above types of interview you may face, and to find out as much as you can about the interviewer’s agenda before you agree to talk at length. In organisations with PR departments or agencies, much of this triaging will occur on your behalf, but it’s worth bearing these queries in mind, in the event you receive a direct, unsolicited enquiry from a journalist. It’s your only chance to turn the tables before an interview.

 For all media:

• What’s your angle on this story?

• What exactly do you want to know from me?

• Who else are you talking to?

If it’s a broadcast interview:

• Which programme? (Who is the audience?)

• Will it be live or recorded?

• Studio, location, down-the-line or telephone?

• Are others taking part?

• How long will the transmitted interview be?

• What topics will be covered?

• Can you give me an idea of the first question?

(WARNING: the first question is usually a warm-up, depending on the time available, and your most feared, worst question, may be their final one, hidden usually somewhere up their sleeve! It’s the; “And just while I’ve got you here minister,” question.)